“I feel that this year’s win was more memorable and brought a greater sense of achievement as compared to my wins in the (previous years’) 600m races in the C and D Division as the B Division is the highest level in the primary school competition,” Ruth said.

The 12-year-old continued: “Despite not doing my personal best, I still feel that I ran a good race and the other runners put up a good fight.”

The record for the event is 1:46.67 and was set by Carys Hor Kar Yin, then of Nanyang Primary, in 2009.

Joevanne Canace Poernomo of Methodist Girls’ School was leading for a good 300m before Ruth caught up with her. Joevanne eventually finished in ninth place.

Coming in second was Claire Li, 12, of Nanyang Primary with a new personal best of 1:54.42.

“I am very happy with my second position as this is my first Nationals and I have improved tremendously in less than a year. This is certainly a hard-earned achievement as there were many worthy opponents,” said Claire. She also expressed her gratitude to her supportive parents, school coaches and teachers.